Learning how to buy spices can help you enjoy the art of cooking. Many favorite family recipes were created when the family cook decided to experiment with a few spices and herbs, creating a twist on a long time favorite recipe passed down through generations. Although knowing how to buy spices and use them properly in foods is part knowledge and part creative process, there are some key points to remember when buying spices. Gaining knowledge about everything from where to buy spices, to selecting the perfect spices and herbs to complete a dish, can be helpful for the new cook or the seasoned family chef.

How to Purchase SpicesIf you are looking to purchase spices, but are unsure which spices to buy, there are some general guidelines for choosing spices according to different menu types.

Italian cuisine calls for spices such as oregano, thyme, rosemary and basil. French foods use oregano, thyme, tarragon and rosemary, while Asian foods are complimented by lemongrass, ginger and garlic. Mexican menus often contain cilantro, coriander, garlic and cumin and Indian dishes typically use ginger, curry, cinnamon, turmeric and coriander.

These guidelines are by no means set in stone; in fact, many great recipes have been created when the traditional rules of herbs and spices are broken. Be sure to purchase spices that are long time favorites as well as a few new cooking spices. Variety is essential in any great family chef’s kitchen.

Buying Spices OnlineBuying spices in person is always best since the smell of spices and herbs are a great indicator of how fresh they are. If you must buy spices online, buying from a reputable company that offers a quality guarantee is best. A few well known companies allow customers to buy spices online are Penzeys, Pure Spice and Ethnic Grocer.

Cooking Spices for BeginnersBeginning cooks may want to start with a few basic cooking spices and expand their spice collection as their cooking confidence grows. Cooking spices that are considered staples in any family chef’s kitchen are salt, black pepper, onion, garlic, cinnamon, oregano and parsley. These basic cooking spices are often found in recipes and compliment most foods well.

Food Spices and Herbs: Knowing the DifferenceHerbs are loosely defined as the petals, leaves or flowers of a plant that are used for seasoning foods. Some common examples of herbs are rosemary, parsley and cilantro.

Spices are derived from the bark, roots, seeds and fruit of a plant and are used to season foods. Pepper cinnamon and cilantro are common food spices.

How to Store SpicesDespite popular belief, storing spices on a rack over the stove or on a countertop is not the best choice.

Moving your spices to dark, airtight containers and storing them in a cupboard will help preserve the longevity of your spice collection.

Generally, ground spices will keep their flavor for up to one year if stored properly. Whole spices can be stored for up to three years. Spices will stay fresh longer if they are stored in a cool, dark, dry space. Spices can be stored in the freezer in individual airtight containers. It is important to protect spices form light and humidity. If you cannot store your spice collection in the freezer, they should be placed in an area that remains consistently below 70° F.

Most commercially bottled spices should be used within four months of purchase and should never be used after the suggested expiration date printed by the manufacturer.

How to Grind SpicesWhole spices can be ground in a commercial grinder or by using a traditional mortar and pestle. Whole spices should be ground immediately before using for best taste. To bring out the best flavor in whole spices, toast them in a warm skillet prior to grinding. Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat and lightly toast the spices for two to five minutes while stirring constantly.

Electric coffee grinders can be used as spice grinders as well. A great electric coffee grinder for grinding spices is the DeLonghi Aromatic Coffee Grinder.

Hamilton Beach, Braun and Krups also sell well-made machines that are well suited for grinding spices as well as your morning java beans - just make sure to wash your machine well before switching purposes or keep a second grinder handy to prevent your soups from tasting like coffee and your coffee from tasting like last night’s tomato sauce.

How to Add Spices to FoodsWhen adding spices to foods, less is usually better. The idea of adding spices to your food is to compliment the natural flavor of the food, not cover it up or smother it with too many spices. If you are preparing a dish that cooks for more than one hour, spices should not be added until the last hour of cooking. The flavor of the spices tends to grow stronger if they are cooked for an extended period. Dried herbs are not measured equally as fresh herbs; check your recipe carefully and look for an equivalent chart that converts dried measurements to fresh and vice versa, if necessary. Dried herbs are usually added in an amount that is ¼ less than the fresh herb measurement.

When improvising or adjusting a recipe, never add more than three different spices to any dish. This rule does not apply to Indian cuisine, where many spices are purposely mixed together to achieve a distinct flavoring. Some standby spices that compliment nearly any dish are garlic, salt, black pepper and onion. Sweet dishes and desserts are complimented by adding cinnamon, allspice, cloves and nutmeg.

Spices should be measured with a dry spoon to ensure accurate measurements, eliminate wasted ingredients and prevent inadvertent spills directly into your food. Holding a full jar of spices over a steaming pot also allows moisture into the jar and diminishes the flavor of your unused spices.

Adding herbs at the end of the cooking process will produce a milder, blended flavor while adding them early on will strengthen the intensity of the herbal flavor. Some whole herbs are placed in a dish while cooking and removed before serving the food. Placing whole leaves in a tied bundle of cheesecloth or a metal tea strainer can make this process easier.

When experimenting with new recipes, a general rule of thumb is to add ¼ teaspoon of a spice for a serving of four. For potent spices such as cayenne, garlic and red pepper, it is best to start with 1/8 of a teaspoon and add more as necessary.

Learning how to use and buy spices can be fun and educational. Creativity in the kitchen can lead to the next favorite family dish and provide relaxation and enjoyment for the family chef. Knowing how to buy spices like a pro can help you elevate your cooking confidence and have your dinner guests singing your praises as the next great culinary artist.

How Much Do You Know About Food?You know that brownies taste better when they're just out of the oven and that cranberry sauce will taste bitter if you don't add enough sugar. But do you know who invented the brownie or how to select the ripest cranberries? Aside from knowing which foods you love to curl up with, how much do really know about the history and fun facts of your favorite foods? Find out now.